Business as usual for Forth Road Bridge

Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay has visited the Forth Road Bridge to see how it is performing under a new operator.

The Scottish government’s new Forth Bridges Unit took over responsibility for the operation, management and maintenance of the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) on 1 June, 2015 from the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA). The Forth Bridge Operating Contract was awarded to Amey Highways in November 2014 and includes responsibility for the Queensferry Crossing when complete in 2016. Mr Mackay met with staff who look after the bridge day to day and are transferring across to Amey from FETA bringing their expertise, experience and knowledge of the bridge with them.

He said: “Work to bring responsibility for the management and operation of this important strategic link in Scotland’s trunk roads into line with the rest of the network began as far back as 2012.?? We value the experience and expertise of those involved in running the bridge over the past 50 years.”

TUPE arrangements have been implemented under the contract for staff from FETA.

Mr Mackay added: “The implementation of this contract will deliver economic opportunities for local small and medium sized businesses and training and employment opportunities for local people on an ongoing basis.”